2of53Houston Rockets forward Zhou Qi (9) stands on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Photo: Alex Brandon/Associated Press

3of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the start of the Rockets and Washington Wizards game at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

4of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards fouls Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

5of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the start of the Rockets and Washington Wizards game at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

6of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the start of the Rockets and Washington Wizards game at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

7of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 (C) of the Houston Rockets stands teammates during the playing of the national anthem before the start of their game against the Washington Wizards game at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

8of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the start of the Rockets and Washington Wizards game at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

9of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the start of the Rockets and Washington Wizards game at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

10of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards falls to the floor after scoring against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

11of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets dribbles between John Wall #2 and Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

12of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: PJ Tucker #4 of the Houston Rockets reacts beside Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards after the Wizards scored a three pointer in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

13of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets gets his thumbnail treated in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

14of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Anderson #33 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Jodie Meeks #20 of the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

15of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

16of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards dunks over Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

17of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: PJ Tucker #4 of the Houston Rockets puts up a shot in front of John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

18of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets dunks over Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards i the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

19of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards dunks over Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

20of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets puts up a shot in front of Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

21of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets dunks over Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards i the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

22of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets puts up a shot in front of Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

23of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets dunks over Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards i the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

24of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets dunks over Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards i the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

25of53Washington Wizards guard John Wall's shoes are seen during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Photo: Alex Brandon/Associated Press

26of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after hitting a three pointer against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

40of53Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni looks up at the monitor as he disputes a call during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Photo: Alex Brandon/Associated Press

44of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets works the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

47of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

48of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards passes the ball on a fast break against the Houston Rockets at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

49of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets takes the floor before the start of the Rockets game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

50of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets (R) sits on the bench during the closing seconds of the Rockets 121-103 loss to the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

51of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets sits on the bench during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

52of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

53of53WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Members of the Houston Rockets talk on the floor before the start of the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

WASHINGTON - There were open 3s that clanged rims, loose balls and rebounds that bounced before the Wizards swept in past the slow-footed Rockets to scoop them up and rush the other way.

The blowout had seemed certain from the opening minutes when the Rockets could not make the shots they are built to take.

It might have been likely by the time the team bus pulled into the team hotel at around 3 a.m. Friday, its passengers smarting from the most disheartening of losses the night before in Boston.

The Rockets could barely delay it until the fourth quarter, but once the run came, the Wizards swept to a 121-103 rout Friday, sending the Rockets home with a fifth consecutive loss and the longest losing streak in NBA history immediately following a winning streak as long as 14 games.

With that, the Rockets hope the return of players out with injuries - with Chris Paul returning Friday and coach Mike D'Antoni saying center Clint Capela will play Sunday - will begin to repair the damage done.

"Mentally we're fine," said D'Antoni, who cleared his bench with the Wizards holding a 20-point lead with 6:20 left. "We have some tired legs and we're missing the big guy in the middle, giving us some force to the rim. James (Harden) was tired tonight. Chris is just coming back.

"We have excuses, but that doesn't work. It doesn't matter. We lost. They won. They were the better team tonight. We have a home game in two days, we have to start from there."

But the Rockets knew that to build back to the level of play they enjoyed in the heights of the winning streak will take more than improved health.

Defense takes beating

After losing in the final minute in Oklahoma City and in the final seconds in Boston, it was all the Rockets could do to stay in the game until the fourth quarter, with the Wizards playing with far greater speed and energy.

The Wizards were the third team in the losing streak to top 120 against the Rockets, as many as had scored that much against the Rockets in the first 29 games combined.

"They made tough shots, but our defensive pressure wasn't where it needed to be," Harden said. "Not just tonight, but it's been like that in our little skid. We just got to get back to our basics, get back to how we know how to play, and we'll be good."

Though Paul returned after three games out with a strained groin muscle, he struggled, making 3 of 11 shots. He said he felt no discomfort with his groin, but was not sharp after sitting out more than a week.

Paul knocks off rust

"It's always a little nerve-wracking coming back," said Paul, who played 25½ minutes. "The minute restriction thing is always the hardest thing, but we're going to work on that. Shouldn't be (rust.) Guess there was tonight.

"You never know with an injury like that, but it's cool. I'm cool about it. I played tonight. I got through the game. We get ready for the Lakers."

Harden scored 20 points before sitting out the fourth quarter, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players to score at least 20 in each of his team's first 34 games, but he had five turnovers before sitting out as the Wizards blew the game open.

Rockets starters combined to go 5-of-29 on 3-pointers and have made 35.9 percent in the losing streak, ranking 20th in the league.

3-pointers misfire

Before their slide, Rockets starters had shot 38.6 percent from the 3-point line, seventh best, while making more with their starters than any team.

"We missed a couple shots, but … it was not just tonight," Harden said. "It's been going on for a couple games.

"So find our rhythm, get our groove back and things will start falling into place defensively and offensively. Obviously, Chris, it is his first game back, so he was trying to get a rhythm, but we just have not had a rhythm in these last five games. We had pretty good spurts, but just not a consistent, four-quarters game. So just have to … get back home and kind of buckle down a little bit and get Clint back and just get guys back and get a nice rhythm."

Jonathan Feigen has been the Rockets beat writer since 1998 and a basketball nut since before Willis Reed limped out for Game 7. He became a sports writer because the reporter that was supposed to cover the University of Delaware basketball team decided to instead play one more season of college lacrosse and has never looked back.

Feigen, who has won APSE, APME and United States Basketball Writers Association awards from El Campo to Houston, came to Texas in 1981 to cover the Rice Birds, was Sports Editor in Garland before moving to Dallas to cover everything from the final hurrah of the Southwest Conference to SMU after the death penalty.

After joining the Houston Chronicle in 1990, Feigen has covered the demise of the SWC, the rise of the Big 12 and the Rockets at their championship best.